Hike description: The Paul Peak Trail is scorned by some as a "reverse hike." That is, the trail goes down on the way in and up on the way out. For those with a summit orientation, this makes no sense. But if your goal is to find a nice destination, whether up or down, this is a great trail. The trail goes through some of Mount Rainier’s wonderful old-growth forest and takes you to a lunch spot by the North Mowich River. And, if your knees/feet/legs don't enjoy going downhill, this hike has you doing that part of the hike at the start of the day when your body is fresh. After lunch by the river, with the opportunity to soak your feet in cold water, you are ready for the uphill trek out.
What: Pick a tour named after a Hostess dessert and spend the day pedaling around Federal Way. The Ho-Ho-Ville route is 50 miles. The Twinkie-Land is 100 kilometers and the Ding Dong Station Mountain Route is 104 miles. Ride organizers describe the event as a "challenging and hilly ride."
Description: The trail follows the river from where it enters Lake Washington in Renton upriver to the community of Landsburg at the boundary of the city of Seattle's Cedar River Watershed. The total length of the trail is 17.3 miles, with the western 12.3 miles paved and ADA accessible. Hikers, bicyclists, joggers and equestrians use the soft surface of the eastern 5 miles.
What: The Daffodil Valley Volks-sport Association celebrates its 25th anniversary with 5K and 10K walks in Puyallup.
What: Crystal Mountain's annual dummy downhill is no more. This year, the dummies will be replaced with you. In a dummy downhill, competitors make an unmanned contraption to sled down the hill. This year, Red Bull is sponsoring the Schlittentag (German for sledding day), a similar competition with the notable exception that one of the three team members must pilot the sled. Winners are judged on speed, craftsmanship and style, but mostly style.
Hike description: Fragrance Lake is one of the many treasures in the Chuckanut Mountain Recreation Area, an area on the outskirts of Bellingham managed jointly by the city Bellingham, Whatcom County and state parks departments, and state Fish and Wildlife Department.
Hike description: The hike to Big Creek Falls is a notable early and late season hike. If you hike it early, you will want to return in the fall when the autumn colors are out and the waterfalls are lively. The elevation gain is modest, making this an excellent beginner or family hike.
What: The Lynch Creek 5K is not your typical 3.1-mile run. It isn't held on city streets but rather on a semi-secluded road near Eatonville. The course is mostly flat with views of Lynch Creek as you run through the woods and pasture land.
What: Dosewallips State Park on the Hood Canal has 5,400 feet of freshwater shoreline and 5,500 feet of saltwater shoreline. The park offers camping all year, along with five miles of hiking trails and picnic facilities. It's also a popular spot for divers.
Hike description: The Headlands Trail will give you a taste of all that Deception Pass State Park has to offer. Deception Pass is a lowland hiking paradise with natural and man-made marvels. The state park is known for spectacular views from its rugged cliffs overlooking the turbulent water of Puget Sound. The bridge is another marvel. The 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline is home to abundant marine life. Within the park's 4,134 acres you'll find diverse areas to explore. More than 38 miles of trail will take you from sand dunes to old-growth forest where you'll find four freshwater lakes (Cranberry, Pass, Campbell and Heart).